Saturday, February 18, 2017

Venus Pool, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

We are staying with Peter and Jane in Shropshire (thanks for great hospitality as always) and last night spoke at Wrekin Arts. Yesterday after a pleasant walk on the Long Mind in indifferent light, we visited Venus Pool where the sun came out and there were lots of birds. This reserve is south-east of Shrewsbury, and covers almost 27 ha (66 acres). In addition to the pool itself, with its islands and areas of open shoreline, other habitats include stands of willow scrub, extensive marginal vegetation, flower-rich grassland, hedgerows and woodland. An arable field to the south of the pool is planted with bird-friendly crops. I was pleased to get good views of Snipe and also Bramblings. Only had 140mm lens so not the best bird images but a record of the habitat etc.